Passaic County Sheriff's Officers arrested eight people and issued 21 summons Tuesday during a quality of life patrol in Paterson, according to Sheriff Richard Berdnik.

Similar patrols will be held throughout the city in the coming weeks, Berdnik said in a prepared statement.

The patrols are in response to complaints about quality of life issues such as "groups congregating in front of commercial establishments, blocking public passage, drinking in public, littering, loud music and panhandling," according to Berdnik.

During their patrols Tuesday, officers arrested Luis Pena, 31, of Paterson on charges of possession of crack-cocaine, resisting arrest by flight and hindering apprehension, according to Berdnik.

Pena was with a group of people who were given summonses for allegedly blocking a public passage. While officers were question Pena, he allegedly gave them a false name and then allegedly ran away from the officers.

During the chase, Pena threw away of purple capsule containing what officers believe to be crack-cocaine, according to Berdnik.

Pena was also wanted by Paterson police on two outstanding warrants.

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